Enfield Ignatians fell to a 32-8 defeat to London Two North-West league leaders Old Haberdashers on Saturday.

The blue and golds suffered on the scoreboard for most of the first half-hour and were hit for three tries.

But they did start to string the phrases together and in the final 10 minutes they punished the hosts for a high tackle which Jordan Wilson struck the target with a penalty.

The second half started like the first with Old Hab scoring their fourth but this time the visitors replied with a well executed try from a catch and drive at the lineout via prop Christo Kasabi.

Ignatians continued to ramp up their effort but the Old Habs eventually unpicked Enfield’s defensive lock for their fifth and final try.

Coach Ali Cook said: “The side put in a monumental defensive shift and the effort, the commitment and the work-rate were first-rate.

“The second-half was a step-up on the first period but we need to ensure that we keep the pressure-on when on the attack.”

Enfield who currently sit in 10th, will take on the side who sit just below them in the league, Welwyn, on Saturday, December 17 at Donkey Lane.

It is their final match of the calendar year with Ignatians starting 2017 with a trip to Honourable Artillery Company on January 7.